The Southampton boss insists players such as Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw are staying put but his position weakened following chairman Nicola Cortese’s departure. Cortese quit after reportedly falling out with owner Katharina Liebherr.

Now ex-Saints manager Dave Merrington, who was at the helm for the 1995-96 season, expects clubs will be circling to snare their top talent. He said: “Whatever you say about Cortese, you can’t deny his drive helped Southampton get into the Premier League. He helped set up the youth academy.

“Now, with him gone, the club needs to steady the ship”

Dave Merrington

"People knew there was no way clubs would get players easily. Now, with him gone, the club needs to steady the ship."